Worldwide icon-chevron-right Europe icon-chevron-right United Kingdom icon-chevron-right England icon-chevron-right London icon-chevron-right The Piano Works

The Piano Works

Music, Music venues Farringdon and Smithfield
4 out of 5 stars
(17user reviews)
Runner-up<br/>2018

Runner-up
2018
Runner-up<br/>2018

Runner-up
2018
fabiovh.co.uk
fabiovh.co.uk

Time Out says

Situated in a listed Victorian warehouse in Farringdon is The Piano Works, a unique live music venue. What sets this place apart from London's other evening hang-outs is their pair of pianists, accompanied by a rotating cast of musicians, who play, well, whatever you want. That's right, while you're sipping on an almond and hazlenut sour, or tackling a Tomahawk rib-eye steak, you can make requests to the live band and they'll play your choice of music.

Posted:

Details
Static map showing venue location
Address: 113-117 Farringdon Rd (entrance on Corner of Ray St)
London
EC1R 3BX
Transport: Tube: Farringdon
Opening hours: 5pm-1am Mon-Fri, 12noon-1am Sat, Closed Sun
Do you own this business?

Users say (17)

4 out of 5 stars

Average User Rating

4.2 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:9
  • 4 star:5
  • 3 star:2
  • 2 star:0
  • 1 star:1
LiveReviews|17
1 person listening
tastemaker

I was really excited about visiting Piano Works. We managed to get a guestlist with free entry before 10pm which was pretty awesome, but when we got there unfortunately the place was packed. 
The idea of a band doing live music and everybody in the club suggesting songs is fantastic but the place was so busy that we barely managed to reach the dancefloor. We managed to wiggle a bit for a couple of hours but I was home before 1am which was slightly disappointing. One more thing, the drinks prices are quite high. 

tastemaker

I mean, who doesn't love a good old sing-a-long to a live band? Piano Works is evidently a dead cert on a good night out, but I couldn't help but feel that there were just a few hurdles to get over before fully enjoying it.


The first is the entry fee. £10, which isn't completely awful for London, but given we arrived just before 10pm seemed a bit much. Then there were the security staff. The barriers and aggressive looks almost felt like I was trying to get into Fabric back in the hey-days...but that was Fabric, and understandable. This is the Piano Works. Perhaps the behaviour of a select few have caused extra concern. Then there was the "hen" hurdle to get over. I think I counted 6 hen parties all in close proximity to one another and my concerns peaked. 


Don't get me wrong, it looked like everyone was having a great time and the band were great. But would I be revisiting this spot any time soon....probably not. Except for the hen do I think I'm invited to.....whoops!

tastemaker

This is such a fun night out! They have a live band up on stage in the middle of the venue and they play requests the entire night. And they are really great at it! You write down as many requests as you want on a napkin and they pick them throughout the night. Some of the band members such as the singers swap over a few times to have a break, but incredibly some of them play all night long! They play such a great range of songs as well, I really don't know how they do it!


The dance floor does get a ridiculously busy and I lost count of how many glasses broke on the floor but there are so many security and clean up staff that it does get cleared up immediately. My main issue with this place is the expense. We paid £10 to get in on a Friday which is fair enough but for nearly £11 per drink it really isn't an affordable night out for me. Definitely fun once in a while though.


Horrible experience. Violent and aggressive staff. After being mistakenly identified as a guest that had caused trouble, from the dance floor I was forced towards a fire exit which was out of view of the cctv cameras. Before being pushed in I noticed a group of aggressive bouncers standing inside a fire exit corridor waiting.

After demanding to leave via a public exit in view of the cctv cameras the staff reluctantly agreed.

I sincerely hope nobody else is falsely accused by the dishonest predatory staff employed here as if I had not foreseen their attempt to take me into a CCTV black spot I could have easily been assaulted with no evidence to prove otherwise.

tastemaker

Stumbled upon this quirky venue tonight and was pleasantly surprised. It has live music in the form of two pianist belting out the latest songs or delighting You with old skool classics. If you fancy a bite to eat, I recommend booking in advance as it can get a bit crazy in there. Waitresses balance plates as the thirsty crowd fill up every crevice. It does get a bit loud in there but it’s cavernous space can hold a good few hundred people. Go check it out for yourself and be amazed.


A unique dining experience with amazing entertainment! My boyfriend and I enjoyed their 2 course deal which included a glass of prosecco on a Saturday evening. Our table was for 5pm-7pm, however the food was served quickly which enabled us to enjoy some cocktails at our table while watching the amazing piano duo! The freshly served food tasted delicious and was definitely worth the £25 two course offer we payed for! The cocktails, which were included in the happy hour until 7pm, were super tasty and flavoursome! The best part of the night however had to be the amazing and talented duo piano players! On each table you’re given specially designed napkins which you use to request your choice of song. You’re then told to put the napkin on your table lamp with an optional tip before it’s collect by the waiter and given to the piano players. They then give you a shout out and play your song for you – they will really play any request! We ended up leaving the restaurant/ bar 6 hours later after having a great night singing and dancing away with the piano band! Definitely worth a visit. The only thing I would say is that it may be better for larger groups!

tastemaker

Great concept bar with a live band in the middle of the bar playing songs chosen by the audience. Would highly recommend particularly for groups visiting London. Admittedly it's a little pricey with the queue/cover charge not ideal either but once they play a song you've personally submitted, all that tends to be forgotten. If you ever hear Ace of Base - All That She Wants in there, it was likely me or my kindred spirit!


Piano Works is a guaranteed fun night out. Live requests played by a piano / small band and a warehouse packed full of energy, singing and dancing. Only problem is that it is a little too popular and it can end up being an evening of being squeezed past and stepped on - but this only slightly detracts from the vibe. Definitely worth checking out, but arrive early to avoid the inevitably long queue which forms around 9 and the cover charge. 

Tastemaker

I love this place!! And trust me everyone else does as well...

On Friday night at 7.30pm it was already absolutely packed with large groups of people finishing up their meals and heading for the bar/dance floor.

By 9pm is was rammed, hot and sweaty and getting to the bar was quite the challenge. However it is all worth it as the singers/musicians are amazing and the song choices varied.

I would definitely recommend adding yourself to the guest list which guarantees cheaper entry past 9pm (free before then I think?) and also means you get a bit of a queue jump.

The bar is fairly expensive but overall it is the most brilliant concept: a live band all night playing requests submitted via napkins!


I simply loved this place. Normally a non-stop requests bar, it was slightly different when we dropped in. A lady by the name of Hayley McKay was launching a new single - with her set sponsored by Cafe Nero following her appearance on their stage at The Cornbury Festival 2016. 


The whole event was a great success - and Hayley delivered in spades. I had never seen her before or hardly heard of her, but have now become a fan.


I have also become a fan of Piano Works. It really works !


I had a great night out at Piano Works. The premise is that the audience request songs which the live band then perform. The more you tip, the more likely your song is to get played. I was a,aged at how talented the musicians were and how they could pick up a song straight away! This is definitely one to go to for a great night out - drinks were reasonably priced. It was mega busy though so be prepared for crowds but it's definitely worth it - I want to go back and try the food!

Tastemaker

Now this is a venue for an amazing night out. What's not to love about having a pianist on a stage playing all of your favourite requests, while you and the rest of the crowd sing and dance along next to the stage? The queue at weekends is absolutely ridiculous, but if you book an area (with a table to rest your drinks on while you are pulling out your signature dance moves) then you can skip to the front of the line and get in after just a short wait. Have had two amazingly fun evenings here and would definitely return for another.

tastemaker

You'd be forgiven passing this venue by from the outside as I first did. But get down to the basement and you'll be presently surprised. Dim lit bar with two pianos smack bang in the middle of the bar surrounded by a saxophonist, guitarist and drummer, the vibe of the crowd is infectious!! From the moment I arrived I was dancing, as requests for the best tunes rolled in. All performed really well, this band knows how to party. The perfect venue for any occasion. Drinking wine I didn't find the prices too bad either.

Tastemaker

Three words to describe this place: Sleek, sexy and sophisticated- so I have no idea what I was doing there! A really cool warehouse space, a dark, urban décor. Plenty of seats and a great bar. I only stayed for drinks, but would love to come for a proper night out. But will have to watch my pennies as it is a tad pricey.

Tastemaker

It's difficult to find a venue that has live piano music, and also plays requests in London. So The Piano Works has been a delightful find. A large basement venue, two pianists, a guitarist, a drummer & a saxophonist playing anything that is thought up by the audience. We heard Sinatra, Abba, Disney, Ed Sherran, and even Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears! All played well and they also sang along to, although I have a sneaky suspicion they read lyrics on iPads. Nevertheless, it's a highly enjoyable evening, singing, laughing, drinking, what more could you want for a night out! Definitely recommend the Amaretto sours which they serve with a hint of hazelnut. If you can book ahead, request one of the booths with a direct view of the musicians.

Tastemaker

Your very own live jukebox. Had a great night there with some girlfriends, submitting requests from Eminen and Sir Mix-A-Lot to Cher and Disney songs. You never know when your song is going to pop up, so it's always a fun surprise when it does. Shout out to the backlit menu and fantastic drinks, makes it easier in a dark lit room. Could've stayed there the whole night singing along and busting a groove or two.

0 of 1 found helpful
tastemaker

The Piano Works in Farringdon is seriously one of my favourite places in London! Part party, part bar, part restaurant, part club, part concert – what more could you ask for??


We visited for their new brunch offering (every Saturday 12-4) for non-stop live music that the audience picks! We had the SALMON AND SCRAMBLED – wye smoked salmon, burford brown eggs scrambled, rocket on sourdough toast and THE FULL WORKS – Burford brown eggs fried, pork and leek sausages, bacon onion and potato hash, black and white pudding, beans and toast.


Thank goodness for the large portions to soak up some of the UNLIMITED PROSECCO FOR ONLY £15! The best bit is that our lovely waiter just left us the bottle on the table 


This place is such good fun – tasty food, reasonable prices, lovely staff and a live band – DON’T MISS OUT!

View all reviews

Snap up exclusive discounts in London

Time Out's handpicked deals — hurry, they won't be around for long...